Wansteadium

Wednesday was the busiest day yet at this year’s Fringe, with four events going on at the same time.

At the season’s first outing of the Kinema, veteran cyclists Alf Engers and Vin Denson discussed with author Robert Dineen some of the glory days of British cycling. The pub garden was packed, and the discussion was followed by a showing of the BBC documentary Death on the Mountain about cyclist Tom Simpson.

Nearby there was a Ladies’ Craft Night at the 84 Gallery while at the same time the first Wanstead Photo Night Walk was taking place.

Geoff Wilkinson, Wanstead's photographic Pied Piper, leading tonight's Fringe photo walk pic.twitter.com/rda6YsNZgQ

— Wanstead Fringe (@WansteadFringe) September 9, 2015

 

Up at the Manor House, journalist Ted Kessler was talking to John Cryer MP about his memories of his father, Bob. Attitudes to the Soviet Union, the miners’ strike, and Mrs Thatcher were on the agenda, but so were his revealing memories of the Railway Children. Bob Cryer was, John said, the figure emerging from the steam in the memorable ”  Daddy, my daddy” scene, having stood in for the actor. Cryer Junior was an extra in the film (see picture).

In this clip of the discussion, Cryer describes his father’s occasional unorthodox approach to constituents’ email.
 

Elsewhere followers of the Art Trail were meeting artists who had exhibited their work, and the crochetbombing of Wanstead continued.

i love it..i want it..i will knit one @Wansteadium @WeLoveWanstead pic.twitter.com/GD8il1R72H

— T Adebowale-Jones (@ladytgaj) September 9, 2015

 
Coming soon – a rundown of events yet to take place for which you can still get tickets.

This is the bit of the Wanstead Fringe that can be done at home – it’s the first Wanstead Mystery Photo Challenge. All you have to do is identify exactly where in Wanstead these photographs were taken. Download this sheet, and when you’ve filled in your answers and details, deliver it to Geoff Wilkinson’s gallery at 84 Nightingale Lane by 5pm on Friday. (You can see the photos in greater detail here, though that may not help you.)

 

 

The people of Wanstead wanted JUSTICE. This was their chance. As filmed during the Wanstead Fringe 2015 – with Mark Stephens and John Rogers. Written by Geraldine Roberts.

After the trial, the East London Chorus sang.

Animator Chris Drew then showed children how to make their own cartoon characters and comic strips.

  

It’s here at last, the third Wanstead Fringe! The first big event will be the Jumble Trail which is taking place from noon until 5pm (not at the times listed in the programme) with 77 stalls confirmed. You can see where they are on the map below – or even better, for a live version of the map go to the Jumble Trail page.

The full line-up of the Fringe week is here at wansteadfringe.org but here are some things we’re highlighting:

* The good forecast for Sunday bodes well for the lunchtime picnic and bookswap on Christchurch Green. Bring your picnic with you (or buy something from the Farmers’ Market), and don’t forget to bring a book to swap with someone. You’ll be able to listen to the East London Chorus singing, AND take part in the Trial of William Pole-Tylney-Long-Wellesley (details to follow).

*At 4pm children’s animator Chris Drew (Mike the Knight is one of his) will be doing a workshop for children at the Oxfam Shop. Places are free but limited and need to be booked via the website (children must be accompanied by an adult).

*More to follow – but to find out exclusively (for now) what is the marvellous family film being shown on Friday night at the Kinema, download the Wanstead Fringe app or use the buttons below.